As the holiday season winds down and we enter the quiet aftermath, many of us find ourselves in a unique emotional space. The excitement of the build-up, the rush of activities, and the joy of connection have all passed. What’s left is the silence and the "letdown" that can often follow, leaving us with a sense of emptiness or discomfort.
This feeling is completely normal. In fact, it’s part of the natural ebb and flow of life. We’re now at the tail end of the darkest days of the year, following the Winter Solstice. And while the cold and darkness can feel heavy, it’s also a powerful reminder that every season has a purpose. The Winter Solstice marks the point when we’ve reached the deepest darkness, but from here, we’re headed toward more light, bit by bit, every single day.
So how do we navigate the discomfort of this post-holiday season—the “ho-hum” moments, the boredom, the uncertainty, or even the anxiety that can creep in?
Sitting in the Discomfort
I’ll be honest with you: I’ve been feeling more anxious than usual lately. But here’s the thing—I’m facing it better than I ever have. My “window of tolerance,” which is a term for how much emotional discomfort we can tolerate before we feel overwhelmed, is expanding. This means I’m able to sit with uncomfortable feelings, rather than letting them control me. I’m learning that discomfort, even anxiety, is something I can navigate, rather than something that defines me.
It’s not always easy. In fact, it can feel incredibly uncomfortable at times. But I’ve realized something important: the discomfort has a purpose. If we allow ourselves to sit with the feelings that arise instead of avoiding or numbing them, we often find something valuable on the other side.
This idea hit home when a dear friend shared how they’ve learned to embrace boredom. They’ve discovered that boredom, rather than being something to avoid, is actually a fertile ground for creativity. This got me thinking. As I’ve been exploring this idea more, I’ve also been listening to Martha Beck, who speaks about creativity being the antidote to anxiety. When I feel anxious, I now look for ways to channel that energy into creative outlets. Creativity offers a way to transform difficult emotions into something meaningful—and it helps shift my state when I feel stuck.
The Power of Creativity
It’s not just about “doing something” to distract ourselves; it’s about allowing our creative energy to flow as a response to the discomfort we’re feeling. Creativity can help us process emotions and reconnect to a sense of agency in our lives.
Whether it’s writing, painting, cooking, dancing, or even simply rearranging your living space, creativity has the power to open up new perspectives. It helps us reconnect with the present moment, and it can be a way of transforming discomfort into something productive.
So, in those moments when anxiety or boredom feel overwhelming, try to reframe them as opportunities for creativity. What’s something you can create today? Even if it’s small—whether it’s a poem, a new recipe, or a fresh idea for something you’ve been working on—creativity can help shift the energy and bring a sense of lightness to the darkness.
Expanding Your Emotional Tolerance
One of the most powerful things I’m learning right now is the importance of expanding my emotional tolerance. What does this mean? Simply put, it means allowing ourselves to experience difficult emotions without immediately rushing to change or escape them. We all have a “window of tolerance” for how much emotional discomfort we can bear before we feel overwhelmed, but the more we practice sitting with uncomfortable emotions, the wider that window becomes.
You don’t need to love every moment of anxiety or discomfort, but you can get more comfortable with it. The more you face it, the less power it holds over you. Over time, you start to realize that you are capable of navigating these feelings without letting them control you.
Three Ways to Navigate Post-Holiday Discomfort
So how can you make the most of this post-holiday season and the uncomfortable emotions it might bring? Here are three principles to guide you:
- Embrace the Darkness – Winter is a season of stillness and rest. There is meaning in this time of year, and it’s okay to slow down, reflect, and be present with whatever feelings come up. Allow the discomfort to be part of the process without rushing to fix it.
- Use Creativity as a Tool for Healing – Anxiety doesn’t need to paralyze you. Channel your emotions into creative endeavors. Whether it’s through art, movement, writing, or even organizing your space, creativity can help you process feelings and bring new energy into your life.
- Expand Your Emotional Tolerance – Don’t shy away from difficult emotions. The more you sit with discomfort, the easier it becomes to handle. Your “window of tolerance” will naturally grow, helping you become more resilient over time.
Moving Toward the Light
Remember: We’re moving toward more light, one day at a time. The post-holiday letdown is just a season, too. It’s not a permanent state, but rather part of the natural rhythm of life. As we continue through this winter, we have the opportunity to reflect, rest, and build the resilience needed to embrace the next season of growth and opportunity.
So, I ask you: how are you navigating the “in-between” time? What emotions are you feeling, and how are you choosing to respond to them? How can you use this season to find meaning and creativity in the darkness?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s continue this conversation—together, we can move through this season of uncertainty and discomfort and emerge with greater light and creativity than before.
With warmth and light,
XOXO~Jill
